A review by elementarymydear
Fifty Feet Down by Sophie Tanen
mysterious
fast-paced
5.0
Okay so everyone needs to CALM DOWN because I think this might be my NEW FAVOURITE BOOK.
The story is a mystery, set in rural Vermont. We follow Alex, a journalist who has left New York to investigate a series of disappearances in a small town. Along the way she uncovers family secrets, falls in love, and ultimately solves the mystery.
What I was hoping from this book was vibes – spooky, cosy, autumnal – and it 100% delivered. But there’s so much more than that! I loved the way Alex’s past and true intentions were steadily revealed to us. It’s so hard to do that well, especially in first person, but I thought it was done excellently here. Alex had a brilliant character arc that really elevated the whole book to the next level, and added so much to the existing layers of the story.
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The writing and the mystery drew you in, and once I started reading it was so hard to put it down! It’s impossible not to be drawn into the setting, and I so quickly became invested in knowing what had happened. The small-town atmosphere felt like Schitt’s Creek but with more murder, or like a Professor Layton game, with the key figures and places in the town being so pivotal to the story.
The queer representation was excellent, and I loved the relationship between Alex and Luna. It had heart and felt grounded without being at odds with the rest of the story in tone, and the way it linked in with the wider story? I was desperate to know that it would all end okay! (And I won’t tell you if it did – you’ll have to find out for myself!).
This is a really excellent mystery, perfect for reading under the covers while the days get shorter. Sophie Tanen is one to watch!
I received a free copy for review. All opinions are my own.
The story is a mystery, set in rural Vermont. We follow Alex, a journalist who has left New York to investigate a series of disappearances in a small town. Along the way she uncovers family secrets, falls in love, and ultimately solves the mystery.
What I was hoping from this book was vibes – spooky, cosy, autumnal – and it 100% delivered. But there’s so much more than that! I loved the way Alex’s past and true intentions were steadily revealed to us. It’s so hard to do that well, especially in first person, but I thought it was done excellently here. Alex had a brilliant character arc that really elevated the whole book to the next level, and added so much to the existing layers of the story.
📚Blog📖YouTube📖Instagram📚
The writing and the mystery drew you in, and once I started reading it was so hard to put it down! It’s impossible not to be drawn into the setting, and I so quickly became invested in knowing what had happened. The small-town atmosphere felt like Schitt’s Creek but with more murder, or like a Professor Layton game, with the key figures and places in the town being so pivotal to the story.
The queer representation was excellent, and I loved the relationship between Alex and Luna. It had heart and felt grounded without being at odds with the rest of the story in tone, and the way it linked in with the wider story? I was desperate to know that it would all end okay! (And I won’t tell you if it did – you’ll have to find out for myself!).
This is a really excellent mystery, perfect for reading under the covers while the days get shorter. Sophie Tanen is one to watch!
I received a free copy for review. All opinions are my own.